I will add my thoughts on this one.

All good halves have these attributes

1. Leadership
2.Good passing game
3.Good running game
4.Good kicking game
5.Good defense.

From what I have seen Smith dosn't have the full box of tricks . He has skill No2 but he is average or poor in all the other areas. He may do some good things from time to time in certain areas of the game but we could do with a better player than him to take us forward.

You missed 6. must speak with a aussie twang.

Like most of our overseas visitors it takes them time, usually a season, like Richards for example who nearly got shipped out, if we are willing to gamble it may pay off but imo its risky.

Did he sign for 1 year or 2.

Just the 1 - and given that we have so many on longer contracts and areas that need fixing he may struggle to get beyond that!

Well i'd be suprised if another team wanted him based on what we've seen so far, i hope he comes good and earns another contract but somehow i don't see it happening.

Get your finger out Smithy and prove the doubters wrong, PLEASE.

Would like to smith when we have a pack actually going forward. Smith will be ok I have faith. John im not so sure about.

TBF on John he has far less to prove than Smith. John was a gamble and at 20? there is plenty left on the clock for this lad. What I don't get is why such an inexperienced player gets the nod every week - I see nothing wrong with him battling it out with Wildie and Wood. Just because he's overseas doesn't mean he has to play especially as he is clearly a project player (whether you think you should use a quota spot up on a speculative player like John is another matter).

It's a gamble that may pay off in spectacular fashion or may be a complete flop - what shouldn't happen is that it hampers the chances of others to get a chance. Frankly if Wood turns out to be the star despite being a pretty underwhelming signing at the time who cares - just so long as the real best man wins and not just the one with the right accent.

Smith on the other hand came with a big reputation and price tag, sadly he needs to perform every week and he isn't. He's not the worst I've ever seen and there are flashes of brilliance but the clock really is ticking for him.

Think wood has been outstanding, agree about both johns and smith, but at minute cant work out what johns has done that would make woods second choice. Similarly what have ellis and mariano got to do to get a game ?

I can only assume he plays Wood of the bench as a utility player as he can cover 6,7 and 9 and thus gives options. That I kinda get, what I don't get is bringing him on with 10 minutes to go - what is the point. In almost every game John or Smith have needed subbing IMO however it's usually Aiton who makes way long after the game is lost.

I rate Wood, i'd have him in my starting 13 each week.

If its a choice between Smith and John, I would have no hesitation about choosing John. Like you say he is young and has a career infront of him.I also like his attitude, he took on the kicking role when no one else wanted it. He obviously worked very hard on it because his improvement was obvious after a few games. He also seems a more all round player than Smith. I think the raw material is there to work with but like you say he needs coaching and management. He needs to see Wildie and Wood as credible threats to his position . When those two are playing well he should have a run out in the reserves from time to time, it would not do him any harm.

Well said Vastman- your comments are spot on. My views are that the size of our squad should encourage competition for places and players not up to scratch should be replaced regardless of reputation.

You cannot have been to the games. Hes a more allround player than Smith are you on drugs?

OMG, you never learn do you.

Your desire to prove every overseas BIG REPUTATION player as an unmitigated success is touching and creepy at the same time. He certainly has a better kicking game and at least the rest of the team seem to know what he's doing, unlike Smith.